DairyNZ is collaborating with EECA (the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) to share real-life data and support dairy farmers considering solar energy and batteries.
Part of the Government’s Solar on farms initiative, the first 32 solar and battery demonstration farms, including six dairy farms, have been announced - receiving partial funding for inverters, batteries, and solar arrays.
The data and insights gathered as part of the programme will be shared with other farmers, with participating farms also hosting on farm demonstrations.
DairyNZ chief executive Campbell Parker said with the cost of energy increasing and the cost of solar dropping, it makes sense to look at renewable energy.
“The February storms illustrated just how crucial power is to keeping farms going,” he says.
“Farmers are busy and thinking about solar or a solar + battery system can feel like another costly item to add to the to-do list.
“This new initiative will provide the data and insights to give farmers confidence if solar might be right for them.
“Renewable energy is not just good for the environment; it makes financial sense as well. Having an alternate power source means you can recover quickly and get back to business as usual sooner.”
Southland dairy farmers Michael Farmer and Chris Stewart at Fairbank Farm milk 800 cows on 300 hectares.
While not part of the programme, they’re part of growing group of farmers who are proving that solar power paired with battery storage isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about resilience.
When a major windstorm knocked out power across the region in October 2025, many farmers faced dumping milk, alongside frantic generator hunts. Fairbank Farm kept milking, thanks to their solar array and 100kWh battery system.
“I don’t know why all dairy farmers don’t put in solar and battery system,” Chris says. “There's no better time than now to put in a system.”
For more information on energy saving options on farm go to https://www.dairynz.co.nz/environment/climate/energy-saving-on-farm/
Media contact
Kahlia McNulty
Senior Corporate Communications Advisor
p: 022 854 2451
e: kahlia.mcnulty@dairynz.co.nz
